Support hands-on learning in your classroom.
Each year, BC’s dairy farmers proudly fund Mini Food Grants to help bring nutrition education to life in classrooms across the province. These grants support tasting experiences that align with BC Dairy’s curriculum-based education programs.
Whether you’re helping students explore new foods, understand food systems, or build positive relationships with eating, Mini Food Grants make real-world learning possible.
Want to learn more about BC Dairy Mini Food Grants?
Take a free, self-paced professional development workshop on BC Dairy Education Hub! You’ll get access to the full suite of teaching resources, practical strategies for food-based learning, and everything you need to apply for a Mini Food Grant each fall.
What are Mini Food Grants?
Mini Food Grants are annual grants provided by BC’s dairy farmers to support the delivery of BC Dairy’s free, curriculum-linked nutrition education programs in BC classrooms.
These grants are available once per year, and provide up to $125 in funding for teachers to purchase food for classroom tasting experiences that support food and nutrition education. The tastings are designed to align with the teacher guides for each program and help bring lessons to life in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Mini Food Grants are a great way to spark curiosity, promote food exploration, and make nutrition education more engaging for students across all grade levels.
Who can apply?
Any BC teacher that has completed a BC Dairy workshop and is planning to teach one of BC Dairy’s eligible programs during the school year is welcome to apply each fall.
Eligible programs include:
- Food Explorers (Kindergarten–Grade 1)
- Food for Us (Grades 2–3)
- Passport to Healthy Living (Grades 4–7)
- BC at the Table (Grades 7–12)
New to these programs? Take a free, online teacher workshop to access program materials and learn how to create a positive, food-inclusive classroom experience.
“It never ceases to amaze me how many children have never tried different kinds of berries [or] yogurt, …or [have] asked for seconds when we made fruit parfaits and zucchini crisps … The children and I have had a great year of food exploring.”
– KINDERGARTEN CLASS TEACHER, HARRY HOOGE ELEMENTARY IN MAPLE RIDGE
What are the requirements to apply for a Mini Food Grant?
Grants must be used to support tasting activities that align with your chosen program’s teacher guide. To qualify for a Mini Food Grant, teachers must:
- Teach one of BC Dairy’s nutrition education programs during the school year
- Use the grant to support tasting experiences outlined in the program materials
- Include a variety of foods and one food from each of the following categories: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein foods.
- Promote a neutral, inclusive classroom approach to food—no pressure, no rewards
- Encourage curiosity, exploration, and respectful food discussions
Not sure how to approach food in a neutral way? Our workshops provide helpful guidance and ready-to-use resources.
Mini Food Grant FAQs
When can I apply for a Mini Food Grant?
Grants are available once per year, in the fall. Applications typically open at the end of September and close in late October. If you have completed a BC Dairy nutrition education workshop you will receive an email from our team each year when applications open.
Can I reapply every year?
Yes! You’re welcome to apply each year you plan to teach an eligible BC Dairy program.
Can I apply if I haven’t attended a workshop yet?
You must attend a BC Dairy nutrition education workshop before applying. Workshops are free, online, self-paced, and provide everything you need to deliver the program.
Do I need to order the program materials to be eligible?
Yes, you need to order or download the corresponding program materials to be eligible for the annual Mini Food Grants. You can order your program materials at the BC Dairy Education Hub through the order form found on your dashboard.
Can the food be used to help feed hungry children at my school?
Unfortunately, no. This grant is modest and intended solely for educational purposes. It is not designed to address food insecurity.
Who provides the funds for Mini Food Grants?
Mini Food Grants are fully funded by the dairy farmers of BC. BC’s dairy farmers are passionate about supporting nutrition education in schools. They know that hands-on, real-world experiences help students connect to food, learn where it comes from, and develop a lifelong appreciation for eating well.
Apply for a Mini Food Grant this fall!
Apply for a grant by creating or logging into your BC Dairy Education Hub account. Applications are open each year during the month of October. Each classroom will be eligible for one grant per school-year.
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